Get Warm & Cozy

On
December 10, 2018

With winter fast approaching, you're likely spending more time indoors and finding ways to keep your home warm and cozy. Now is the time to drape a plush throw over your sofa, pile on some soft pillows, and curl up with a steaming hot cocoa and a good book by the fireplace. Don't have a built-in fireplace? Try an electric fireplace to create the illusion of a natural fire. It's really all about layering on comfort and setting a mood.

Ambiance || There are many decorating strategies for building your unique comfort zone. Ultimately, you want it to be a peaceful, inviting sanctuary you can't wait to return to at the end of a long day. Try dark, saturated wall hues if you want the space to feel more enclosed – this works especially well in a small den or media room. Warm, natural wood tones and neutral-hued upholstery reinforce that calm, cozy ambiance. Add personal photos, artwork and antiques to make the space truly yours.

Soft Fabrics || The simplest way to establish instant comfort is by layering on pillows and throws in sumptuous fabrics like velvet, chenille or faux fur. In a bedroom, try a tufted headboard for your bed, an upholstered chair or bench, and include curtains and bed skirts for added warmth. The more fabrics and textures you have in a room, the cozier it will feel. Layering higher pile rugs on your floor keeps things toasty underfoot. You can even layer throw rugs over sisal or carpeting to up the cozy factor.

Lighting || One of the most important elements of any room is lighting. Think of how the inside of a rustic pine lodge or traditional Swiss chalet looks. If natural light is limited, candles, task lighting - or the previously mentioned electric fireplace - create a warm glow and raise spirits on a super cold winter day. Putting overhead lighting on dimmer switches also helps to create a cozy mood, especially in a dining room.